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- Tasks: Lead a creative team in designing impactful programmes for families and delivery partners.
- Company: Join BookTrust, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives through reading.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to elevate design practices and influence organisational growth.
- Why this job: Shape innovative programmes that truly resonate with communities and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme design and a passion for human-centred approaches.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a creative and collaborative Head of Programme Design to lead the Programme Design Team at BookTrust, as part of our central Research and Design function. The role will cover evidence-informed, human‑centred programme design across the full spectrum from new opportunity definition to programme iteration and continuous improvement. It will hold overall programme design accountability for our products and experiences designed for impact with primary audiences – delivery partners and families.
We have a skilled Design team, experience of applying human‑centred design approaches in programme design and strong organisational support for a design‑led approach. The post‑holder will lead our Programme Design approach to the next level of maturity and help it become even more embedded within the organisation.
The post‑holder will deliver excellent stakeholder stewardship around our programme design ensuring our detailed product design (e.g. with our communications, partnerships and books teams) stay true to our overall programme intent (i.e. against objectives that will include impact and supporting income generation). The role will have accountability for innovation in programmes – ensuring that we make rapid progress against our riskiest assumptions using design‑thinking approaches to help us define and activate opportunities quickly.
Please apply via our vacancies website along with your CV and covering letter showing how you meet the person specification and your motivations for applying for the role in addition to answering one of the following questions:
- How would you go about setting and maintaining an organisational standard around co‑design and inclusive design?
- How would you balance practical considerations and limitations with best‑in‑class approaches?
- What are the key features of a high performing Programme Design Team and what approaches would you take to help the team achieve excellence?
Your covering letter should not be longer than 2 pages. Closing date: Friday 22nd May 26. We may choose to close applications early if we have received sufficient numbers of quality applications, so please don’t wait until the closing date to apply. For more information and the person specification, please visit our website.
Head of Programme Design employer: BOOKTRUST
Contact Detail:
BOOKTRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme Design
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research BookTrust's mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for standing out in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you'd approach co-design and inclusive design, and be ready to share your thoughts on balancing practicalities with best practices. This shows you're already thinking like a leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your CV and covering letter highlight your motivations and how you meet the person specification.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Side: When writing your covering letter, let your creativity shine through! We want to see how you can think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table. Use examples from your past experiences that highlight your innovative approach to programme design.
Be Human-Centred: Remember, this role is all about human-centred design. Make sure to emphasise your understanding of this approach in your application. Share specific instances where you've successfully implemented human-centred strategies in your work, as this will resonate with us.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and covering letter! Tailor your application to reflect how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Highlight your relevant achievements and explain how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head of Programme Design role.
Answer the Questions Thoughtfully: We’ve included some questions for you to answer in your covering letter. Take your time to think about these and provide thoughtful responses. This is your chance to showcase your strategic thinking and how you would approach the challenges we face at BookTrust.
How to prepare for a job interview at BOOKTRUST
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into BookTrust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their current programmes and how they apply human-centred design. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your experience with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Head of Programme Design, creativity is key! Prepare examples of past projects where you've led innovative design solutions. Be ready to discuss how you approached challenges and what design-thinking methods you used to achieve success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder stewardship is crucial in this role. Think about how you've successfully collaborated with different teams in the past. Be prepared to share specific strategies you’ve used to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and how you maintained alignment with overall programme intent.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Ask about their approach to co-design and inclusive design, or how they measure the impact of their programmes. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but in contributing to their mission.